Media Center

ADOT field office to address community inquiries on US 89 closure

Public invited to visit Page City Hall on Wednesdays and Thursdays

March 27, 2013

PHOENIX — To bolster communication regarding the US 89 closure caused by last month’s landslide, the Arizona Department of Transportation has set up an office in Page that is staffed twice a week, beginning today.

From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every Wednesday and Thursday, ADOT will have a representative at Page City Hall (697 Vista Ave. in Page). The project team member will be available to answer questions from the public and give the latest updates on the agency’s plans to repair the highway.

“Our intention is to meet with people face to face and share the latest information on the US 89 closure,” ADOT Communications Director Matthew Burdick said. “This will not only aid our communication efforts, but also give the public an opportunity to address their concerns with us. We’ll take that input and share it with the project team.

“ADOT recognizes how important US 89 is to the city of Page, Navajo Nation and the Lake Powell region, particularly as the busy tourism season approaches. ADOT is committed to keep local officials and the public informed of our progress.”

US 89 has been closed north of Bitter Springs and south of Page since Feb. 20 due to a landslide that buckled pavement on the mountain slope.

ADOT is currently conducting a geotechnical investigation, which is the first phase of the solution. Crews are monitoring the stability of the slope and the ultimate repair of US 89 will be based on the results of the geotechnical investigation.

“We believe this will be very beneficial for the community to have firsthand information from ADOT,” Page Mayor Bill Diak said. “This is an example of a great partnership. We are excited to have a community relations person on site and we were more than happy to provide the office space at the city hall.”

In light of the landslide that forced the closure of US 89, ADOT has launched a Web page (www.azdot.gov/us89) dedicated to keeping the public informed with the latest news, alternate routes, and up-to-date videos and photos of the roadway damage on US 89.

Users of the Web page can also sign up for updates on the US 89 closure. The public can also contact the Project Hotline toll-free at 1.855.712.8530 or via email at projects@azdot.gov.